What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Utah Shakespeare Festival?
Company Description The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a destination theatre that presents classical and contemporary plays and musicals in rotating repertory, along with interactive audience experiences. The organization is dedicated to producing life-affirming work that entertains, educates, and enriches regional and national audiences. Its programming emphasizes artistic excellence, storytelling, and community engagement. The Festival offers a vibrant environment for theatre professionals who value collaboration, creativity, and public service.
Role Description The Director of Development is a full-time, on-site role based in Cedar City, UT, responsible for leading all fundraising and development activities for the Utah Shakespeare Festival. This role oversees the creation and execution of comprehensive development strategies, including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving initiatives, and special fundraising events. The Director manages donor cultivation and stewardship, builds and maintains relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, and prepares proposals, reports, and communications to support philanthropic investment. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and monitoring the development budget, collaborating with senior leadership on organizational priorities, supervising development staff, and ensuring accurate donor records and reporting. The Director of Development works closely with marketing, artistic, and administrative teams to align fundraising efforts with the Festival’s mission and programs.
Qualifications
Role Description The Director of Development is a full-time, on-site role based in Cedar City, UT, responsible for leading all fundraising and development activities for the Utah Shakespeare Festival. This role oversees the creation and execution of comprehensive development strategies, including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving initiatives, and special fundraising events. The Director manages donor cultivation and stewardship, builds and maintains relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, and prepares proposals, reports, and communications to support philanthropic investment. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and monitoring the development budget, collaborating with senior leadership on organizational priorities, supervising development staff, and ensuring accurate donor records and reporting. The Director of Development works closely with marketing, artistic, and administrative teams to align fundraising efforts with the Festival’s mission and programs.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in Fundraising and Philanthropy, with a strong record of securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Proficiency in Planned Giving strategies and Annual Giving programs, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Strong Budgeting and financial management skills, with the ability to plan, track, and report on development revenue and expenses.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities, with skill in engaging diverse stakeholders and supporters.
- Experience leading and mentoring development teams, and collaborating effectively across departments.
- Knowledge of development best practices, donor management systems, and data-driven fundraising approaches.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, Business, or Communications) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Background in arts and culture or performing arts organizations is highly beneficial; commitment to the mission of the Utah Shakespeare Festival is essential.